Hera Hilmar Biography, Age, Height, Family, Mortal Engines Career & Net Worth 2026

Hera Hilmar is an Icelandic actress best known as Hester Shaw in Mortal Engines and as Maghra Kane in Apple TV+ hit series See. Born and raised in Reykjavik, Iceland, she went from child actor in Icelandic films to a leading lady in Hollywood and British television.

This Hera Hilmar biography breaks down her age, height, family background, career journey, relationships, and net worth in 2026, plus what she is doing right now and why fans in America are still talking about her.

Quick Facts

If you like Hera Hilmar, you will probably also follow similar trending actresses in her lane like Alicia Vikander, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Florence Pugh, Daisy Ridley, and fellow Nordic breakout stars like Noomi Rapace and Alicia Agneson. Fans of fantasy and sci-fi dramas also search for Jason Momoa, her co-star in See, and Robert Sheehan from Mortal Engines.

Early Life & Education

Hera Hilmarsdóttir was born on December 27, 1988, in Reykjavik, Iceland. She grew up in a true film family. Her father, Hilmar Oddsson, is a well-known Icelandic director, screenwriter, and musician. Her mother, Þórey Sigþórsdóttir, is an actress. Her grandfather, Oddur Björnsson, was a famous Icelandic playwright and theater director.

Acting was normal life for her from the start. She made her first on-screen appearance as a child in the 1990s in Icelandic shorts and features connected to her family. But her parents did not push her. She has said in interviews that she loved stories, books, and stage plays, and spent a lot of time backstage in theaters in Reykjavik.

As a teen, Hera became serious about acting as a career. She studied drama in Iceland and then moved to London to train professionally. She earned a place at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), one of the top drama schools in the UK. She graduated in 2011 with a BA in Professional Acting.

At LAMDA she trained in Shakespeare, voice, movement, and screen acting. Classmates remember her as focused and quiet, with strong stage presence. That classical training later helped her land period roles like Anna Karenina and Da Vinci’s Demons, and action-heavy roles that needed physical control and clear voice work.

Career Journey and Recent Activity in 2026

The Hera Hilmar career story is a slow build from Iceland to Hollywood. She did not blow up overnight. She worked for almost a decade in small films, TV, and stage before Mortal Engines made her face known around the world.

Beginnings in Iceland: 1995 – 2011

Hera started as a child actress in 1995. Her early credits include Icelandic projects like Tears of Stone and TV work. As an adult, she returned to acting around 2007-2008 with roles in Icelandic films such as The Quiet Storm (2007) and Two Birds (2008).

These were small art-house films, but they gave her camera experience. Icelandic directors liked her natural style. She could play soft and emotional without overacting, a skill that later made her stand out in bigger productions.

London Training and First UK Breaks: 2011 – 2012

Right after LAMDA, Hera booked roles in British TV. She appeared in Leaving (2012) alongside Helen McCrory, and in Joe Wright’s film Anna Karenina (2012) starring Keira Knightley. In Anna Karenina, she played Varya, a small but visible role in a major Oscar-nominated film.

That same period she did stage work in London and kept auditioning. Her height, 5’7, strong bone structure, and clear English with a soft Nordic accent helped casting directors remember her for period dramas and fantasy.

Breakthrough with Da Vinci’s Demons: 2013 – 2015

Her big break came as Vanessa Moschella in Starz series Da Vinci’s Demons. She appeared in 25 episodes across three seasons from 2013 to 2015. The show was created by David S. Goyer and filmed in Wales.

As Vanessa, a Florentine beauty caught between Leonardo da Vinci and political power games, Hera showed she could carry romance, drama, and danger. American audiences first noticed her here. The role earned her international fans and led to more US auditions.

Leading Lady in Film: The Ottoman Lieutenant and An Ordinary Man 2016 – 2017

In 2016-2017, Hera moved into film leads. She starred as Lillie Rowe in The Ottoman Lieutenant (2017) opposite Michiel Huisman and Josh Hartnett. The World War I romance was filmed in Turkey and Prague. She played an American nurse who falls in love during war, and critics praised her calm, old-Hollywood screen presence.

She also starred opposite Ben Kingsley in An Ordinary Man (2017) as Tanja, and appeared in The Ashram (2018). These roles proved she could hold a film as the central female lead, not just support.

Mortal Engines – Global Fame: 2018 – 2019

In December 2018, Hera headlined the Peter Jackson-produced blockbuster Mortal Engines as Hester Shaw. Directed by Christian Rivers, the film cast her as a scarred, angry heroine hunting for revenge in a post-apocalyptic world of moving cities.

It was a huge step up. She did intense stunt training, wore heavy prosthetic scarring, and led press tours in the US, UK, and Asia. While the film underperformed at the box office, her performance was widely singled out as the best part. For many fans in America aged 13 to 30, Hester Shaw is still the role they know her for first.

After Mortal Engines, she appeared in Amazon’s The Romanoffs and continued to balance indie films with studio projects.

See on Apple TV+ and Streaming Stardom: 2019 – 2022

From 2019 to 2022, Hera played Queen Maghra Kane (later Sibeth’s sister revealed as Maghra) in Apple TV+ epic See opposite Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. Set in a future where humanity is blind, the show ran for three seasons and became one of Apple TV+’s early flagship dramas.

Her character grew from a mysterious newcomer to a queen, mother, and political leader. She filmed in British Columbia, Canada, often in tough outdoor conditions. The role showed her range – gentle mother in one scene, fierce ruler in the next. It also boosted her social following and made her a regular at sci-fi conventions.

Icelandic Roots and Recent Activity in 2026

After See ended, Hera returned often to Iceland. She starred in the acclaimed Icelandic crime series Blackport (Verbúðin) (2021) as Harpa, which won major Edda Awards in Iceland. She also led the Icelandic thriller Operation Napoleon (2023), based on Arnaldur Indriðason’s bestseller, playing lawyer Kristin.

In 2024 and 2025, she focused on both motherhood and selective projects, including the Nordic noir series The Darkness (Náttin) and festival films. As of 2026, Hera Hilmar remains active with new international TV and film offers. Industry reports in 2026 link her to upcoming European co-productions and a return to English-language streaming drama. She continues to live between Reykjavik and London, picking roles that mix strong female leads with historical or sci-fi settings.

Movies and TV Shows – Career Stats

Here is a clear look at Hera Hilmar movies and TV shows so far:

Selected Films

• 1995 – Tears of Stone – Child role
• 2007 – The Quiet Storm (Blíða) – Dóra
• 2008 – Two Birds – Lara
• 2012 – Anna Karenina – Varya
• 2012 – World Without End (TV mini-series film cut) – Margery
• 2014 – Get Santa – PC Kirsty
• 2016 – Alleycats – Tanya
• 2017 – The Ottoman Lieutenant – Lillie Rowe (Lead)
• 2017 – An Ordinary Man – Tanja
• 2018 – The Ashram – Sophie
• 2018 – Mortal Engines – Hester Shaw (Lead)
• 2023 – Operation Napoleon – Kristin (Lead)

Selected Television

• 2009 – Hamarinn (The Cliff) – Una
• 2012 – Leaving – Stacey
• 2012 – World Without End – Margery (7 episodes)
• 2013-2015 – Da Vinci’s Demons – Vanessa Moschella (25 episodes)
• 2016 – Harley and the Davidsons – Enda Murphy
• 2018 – The Romanoffs – Ondine
• 2019-2022 – See – Maghra Kane (24 episodes)
• 2021 – Blackport – Harpa
• 2024-2025 – The Darkness – Lead role

Personal Life

Hera Hilmar keeps her personal life very private, which is common for Icelandic stars. She rarely posts about family and does not discuss partners in detail in interviews.

Family Background

• Father: Hilmar Oddsson – director of Cold Fever, The Beast, and music videos
• Mother: Þórey Sigþórsdóttir – actress and acting teacher
• Grandfather: Oddur Björnsson – playwright
• Brothers: Two younger brothers, one works in music and film

She has said her family taught her to treat acting as a craft, not fame. She grew up speaking Icelandic at home and learned English and Danish at school.

Husband, Partner and Children

As of 2026, Hera Hilmar has not publicly confirmed a husband or marriage. Reports describe her as being in a long-term private relationship. She is a mother to one child, born around 2020. She has chosen not to share the child’s name or photos to protect privacy.

In interviews she has talked about balancing filming in Canada and Europe with being a mom, and how motherhood changed the kinds of strong mother roles she wants to play.

Dating History and Affairs

There are no confirmed public dating histories or affairs linked to Hera. Unlike many Hollywood stars, she has never been part of tabloid dating rumors. She has not walked red carpets with a confirmed boyfriend or partner, preferring to attend premieres solo or with family and co-stars.

Hobbies, Interests and Community Work

Outside acting, Hera loves Icelandic horses, hiking in Iceland’s highlands, reading Nordic crime novels, and supporting local theater. She often supports Icelandic film festivals and has spoken about climate protection in Iceland and fair pay for actors. She also enjoys photography and stage directing workshops when she is home in Reykjavik.

Awards & Achievements

• Nominated – Edda Awards (Icelandic Film Awards) for Best Leading Actress for Blackport and Operation Napoleon era work
• Winner – Ensemble praise for Da Vinci’s Demons at international fantasy festivals
• Breakout recognition for Mortal Engines as Best Heroine lists in 2018-2019 by sci-fi media
• Part of Apple TV+ See cast that earned Saturn Awards nominations for Best Streaming Series
• Honored in Iceland in 2022-2023 as one of the most successful international actresses from Iceland
• LAMDA graduate with stage honors, 2011

Physical Statistics

Hera Hilmar height and weight often trend in searches because of her model-like look in Mortal Engines and See costumes.

• Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
• Weight: Around 121 lbs (55 kg)
• Figure: Slim, athletic build – 34-24-35 inches approx.
• Hair: Naturally dark brown, sometimes worn lighter for roles
• Eyes: Bright blue
• Skin Tone: Fair
• Shoe Size: US 8 (EU 38.5) approx.
• Dress Size: US 4 (EU 34) approx.
• Distinct Features: Full lips, strong cheekbones, scar makeup as Hester Shaw became iconic
• Fitness: Stunt training, hiking, yoga, and horseback riding to stay in shape for action roles

Quotes

“I never wanted to be famous. I wanted to tell stories that make people feel less alone.”

“Hester is angry, but she is also broken and loving. I understood her because we all hide scars, some you can see and some you cannot.”

“Iceland teaches you to be strong and quiet. You work hard, you respect nature, and you come home.”

Controversies

Hera Hilmar has stayed clear of major controversies. She has no public feuds, legal issues, or scandals. The only debates around her have been film-related, not personal:

• Some fans debated the heavy changes to Hester Shaw’s look from book to film in Mortal Engines, but Hera herself was praised.
• The Ottoman Lieutenant faced political debate about its historical view, but criticism was aimed at the script, not her acting.
• She has avoided social media fights and keeps opinions respectful and private.

This clean image has helped her keep steady work with family-friendly streamers like Apple TV+.

Favorites

• Favorite Food: Icelandic lamb soup, fresh fish, and dark chocolate
• Favorite Movie: Breaking the Waves and classic Icelandic films by her father
• Favorite Actor: Cate Blanchett and Mads Mikkelsen
• Favorite Book: Independent People by Halldór Laxness
• Favorite Place: Westfjords in Iceland and London theaters
• Favorite Color: Black and deep green
• Favorite Hobby: Horseback riding on Icelandic horses

Earnings and Net Worth in 2026

Hera Hilmar net worth in 2026 is estimated at around $3 million. This estimate is based on industry pay benchmarks for lead cable/streaming roles, film salaries, and Icelandic TV pay scales.

Her income comes from:

• TV Salaries: Reported $30,000 – $60,000 per episode for later seasons of See, common for co-leads on Apple TV+ ensemble dramas
• Film Salaries: Low to mid six figures for leads like Mortal Engines and Operation Napoleon, plus residuals
• Icelandic Projects: Smaller upfront pay but steady work and local endorsements
• Brand and Festival Work: Paid appearances, voice work, and festival jury roles

She is not known for luxury brand deals like many US stars. She lives a fairly low-key life between Iceland and the UK, which helps her save. As of 2026, with new Nordic noir and streaming projects in production, her net worth is expected to grow slowly if she books another major US series.

Interesting Facts

• Her birth name Hilmarsdóttir means daughter of Hilmar in Icelandic naming tradition. She uses Hilmar as a stage surname abroad because it is easier.
• She started acting before she was 10 years old.
• She speaks three languages fluently: Icelandic, English, and Danish.
• For Mortal Engines, she trained for months in sword fighting, running, and wire work.
• She did many of her own stunts in See, including outdoor river and forest scenes.
• She is related to Icelandic art royalty – her grandfather’s plays are still performed in Reykjavik.
• She loves Icelandic horses and grew up riding them.
• She keeps no public TikTok and rarely uses social media, unlike many stars her age.
• She filmed Da Vinci’s Demons in Wales in cold castles, which she says prepared her for Canada’s weather on See.
• In 2026, she is one of only a handful of Icelandic actresses to headline both a Hollywood blockbuster and a US streaming epic.

Did You Know Already?

• Did you know Hera Hilmar was cast as Hester Shaw after a long worldwide search? Producers saw hundreds of actresses before picking her.
• Did you know her Mortal Engines scar took hours in makeup each day?
• Did you know she filmed See while learning to act blind? The cast worked with blindness consultants and movement coaches.
• Did you know Operation Napoleon was a huge hit in Iceland and brought tourists to filming locations?
• Did you know she almost became a stage-only actress before TV changed her path after LAMDA?

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @herahilmar – official, verified, most active for premieres and Iceland life
• X (Twitter): @herahilmar – official updates, less frequent
• Facebook: Hera Hilmar Official – managed page for film news
• IMDb: Hera Hilmar profile for full credits and agent contact
• Website: Represented via UK and Iceland agencies – no personal official website as of 2026

Fans should follow only verified accounts with a blue check. Many fan pages use her photos but are not run by her.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Hera Hilmar has built a rare career from small Icelandic films to Hollywood leads without losing her privacy or roots. From Da Vinci’s Demons to Mortal Engines and See, she keeps picking brave, strong women to play. Watch for her next moves in 2026 and beyond.

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Key Sources

• Icelandic National Broadcasting Service and Edda Awards coverage
• Variety and Deadline Hollywood industry reports
• Apple TV+ official See production notes and interviews
• LAMDA alumni records and verified press interviews